Nigeria’s Apapa, Tin Can Ports Enter World’s Top 20 Most Improved List

Nigeria’s maritime sector has received a major boost as the World Bank ranked the Apapa Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex among the world’s Top 20 Most Improved Ports, highlighting significant gains in operational efficiency and port performance.

The recognition was contained in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2025, released by the World Bank in June 2026, which listed both Nigerian ports among leading global performers that recorded substantial improvements in vessel turnaround time and operational effectiveness.

The ranking comes amid ongoing reforms and modernization initiatives spearheaded by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) under the leadership of its Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.

The CPPI is widely regarded as a global benchmark for measuring port efficiency, providing data-driven assessments based on the time ships spend in port and the effectiveness of cargo handling operations. The index enables comparisons among ports worldwide and identifies areas of progress and operational challenges.

According to the report, the inclusion of Apapa and Tin Can ports among the world’s most improved facilities reflects the impact of recent investments in infrastructure, equipment upgrades and operational reforms aimed at enhancing service delivery and trade facilitation.

The development also coincides with Nigeria’s sustained trade surplus performance, with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently reporting a trade surplus of ₦7.54 trillion in the first quarter of 2026.

Industry observers say improved port efficiency has played a critical role in boosting cargo movement, reducing delays and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.

Reacting to the World Bank recognition, NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, attributed the achievement to the economic and investment policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

“With the investor-friendly policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu providing the impetus for increased investment to drive our port infrastructure and equipment modernization programme, coupled with the unflinching support of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, we have all it takes to further enhance trade facilitation, improve competitiveness and boost the national economy,” Dantsoho said.

Stakeholders believe the international recognition will further enhance investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector and strengthen the country’s position as a key logistics and trade hub in West Africa.

The ranking is also expected to support ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to expand non-oil exports, improve ease of doing business and attract greater investment into the nation’s port infrastructure.